[ad_1]
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif defended Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli amid renewed scrutiny over their future, saying India’s focus on replacing experienced players with youngsters just because they can hit sixes is the wrong approach. The debate started again after Rohit and Kohli suffered disappointing returns in India’s opening ODI against England at Edgbaston on Tuesday. Despite India’s win, neither senior batsman made an impact in the chase. Returning to international cricket, Rohit managed 11 off 21 balls before being dismissed by Sam Curran, while Jofra Archer Trapped Kohli lbw for just five. The result, however, marked a positive turnaround for India, who entered the ODI series after suffering a 2-0 defeat in Ireland and a 4-0 defeat in the T20I series against England. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Kaif said that successful teams are built on the right balance between youth and experience rather than an obsession with bringing in younger players. “A wrong trend is happening, where the basic principle is to bring youngsters because they hit sixes. But a good and successful team has a blend of youth and experience,” Kaif said. The former batsman also pointed to football icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messiand both continue to represent their countries despite approaching the age of 40. “If you look at Ronaldo and Messi, they are around the 40-year mark and they are still playing for their country in a fast-paced game. If they are fit and have the skill set, then why are we so much into cricket after years?” Kaif asked. Rohit is under increasing pressure after a poor run in the 50-over format. The Indian captain scored only one half-century in seven ODI innings in 2026, while Yashasvi Jaiswal has strengthened his case with two centuries in his last three ODI appearances. With Jaiswal waiting in the wings, the rest of the England series is likely to have a significant impact on India’s long-term opening combination, even as Kaif urged the selectors to value experience alongside youth.
[ad_2]
Source link
